Community MVP: South Windsor’s Maximino

South Windsor Little League has been extremely successful in recent years, and Al Maximino has been a guiding force behind this success.

Maximino, the current Little League president, has served in a variety of leadership positions over the past 20 years, and has helped the league grow into a community institution. During Maximino’s tenure, South Windsor Little League has grown in size and stature and implemented a variety of improvements to its facilities. Even more impressive than Maximino’s accomplishments is the admiration and affection fellow league leaders, parents and players have for him.

Maximino has served as league president for the last eight seasons, and among his many accomplishments is upgrading the quality of the fields and dugouts the league uses and placing lights on one of the fields used by teams in the Majors division. He also led the effort to add a second league for the division. He was the main organizer of the league’s 50th and 55th anniversary ceremonies and was also involved in renaming the field used by Majors teams to the Craig A. Pepin Field.

Despite all these impressive accomplishments, Maximino’s greatest achievement is the level of respect and trust he has earned from fellow league leaders and coaches, parents and players.

“Al gives us directors and coaches constant reminders that we’re here to make sure the players learn the game while having fun,” said Pete Romaniello, the league’s secretary. “He wants to help kids leaving the league feel like playing baseball was the best experience of their lives.”

“The players come first for Al. He is dedicated to making our league the best possible experience for young athletes in South Windsor,” said Frank Macchi, who is the director of the American League in the Majors division.

Vice president Paul Rozzero said that Maximino’s dedication to this mission allows players to be successful and prepares them for high school and American Legion competition.

“As president, Al has established a great feeder program that the higher leagues rely heavily upon,” Rozzero said. “He helps kids become fundamentally sound and completely prepared for higher competition.”

Maximino’s ability to form relationships with Little League players, no matter how young, has been very remarkable.

“All the players recognized Al and make a point to say hi and talk to him,” Majors (NL) Director Doug Battaglini said. “The kids’ interaction with him shows that they really value his leadership and the assistance he gives them.”

Finally, Maximino’s tremendous contributions to South Windsor Little League extends to his relationship with league directors. Maximino’s dedication to his presidential role has allowed directors to be more effective in their positions.

“Al has helped teach myself and other directors how to balance all that goes into running the league,” Heikoff stated. “He makes sure that ever director feels like their opinions and efforts matter.”